Yes!!!
Sunnyside, 2022
9/10
The 4 time Grammy nominated drummer Duduka Da Fonseca finds himself in the company of Vinicius Gomes (guitars), Helio Alves (piano), and Gili Lopes (bass) for these worldly jazz tunes from the quartet supergroup.
“Samba Novo” gets the listen off to a very rhythmic start, where swift keys and warm guitar solos make for a very melodic climate, and “Transition” follows with Da Fonseca delivering a wild drum solo before a very busy but precise landscape unfolds.
“Bebe” lands in the middle, and offers a waltz friendly delivery that erupts into an ebullient display, while “Exodo” showcases a timeless jazz flavor amid the Brazilian influences that are quite mesmerizing.
Moving deeper into the listen, “West 83rd Street” embraces traces of New York in its stylish demeanor, and “Dona Maria” exits the listen with the best track that uses a breezy melody for all it’s worth.
An excellent listen that at times is quite intimate, but can also post-bop with the best of them, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if this debut from Da Fonseca and company throws more Grammy attention his way.
Travels well with: Craig Davis- Tone Paintings; Roger Lewis- Alright!